Category Archives: Organizing

There is really no concrete formula to success, but I believe in tricks and hacks to success. Everything starts from a good foundation and good habits, and when combined will lead to success.

Start early. Your mind and body works better, and you accomplish more stuff when you start working in the morning. Office/business hours usually start at 9 am, so start working by 8.30 am at most. In this way, you know you are ahead of everybody, especially in sales, where you have competition. It is more advantageous and more motivating when you know that everybody is still resting while you start grinding. Hype yourself by drinking coffee, munching on a yummy dessert, listening to good music, and thinking positive thoughts.

Always be on time. You can’t be perfectly and consistently be punctual especially in the Philippines, where traffic is terrible, but at least do your best to give time allowance. Target to arrive thirty minutes before the appointment or target time, as it is better to be early than to be late. I allot two hours travel time plus traffic when I go to meetings. If you arrive too early, maximize your waiting time by doing some backend work. Since I’m in sales, I maximize my waiting time by reviewing my planner/to – do list, check and respond to emails, call a client or a business partner, etc.

Stay organized. I am such a big fan of planners and organizers. I write my schedule, my list of things to accomplish, my goals, notes, etc. Inside my planner, I have daily quotes to motivate me each day, and I personalize it to make me more inspired to work. I also use my phone to input my to do’s, so I have an easy access to my list. When you are part of a group pursuit, whether you lead it or not, write down all the details and your own deliverables and make a checklist, so you will not forget anything. Make sure that your plans are specific, measurable and time – bound. Other than making a plan, physically keep your things simple and properly in place, so that you’ll have a clear working space, and you don’t waste time on looking for things because they’re everywhere.

My 2017 Work Planner

Rest & reward yourself as necessary. Do not work your a** off to the point of forgetting to live your life. How would you be able to taste the fruit of your hardwork if you don’t allow yourself to relax and enjoy? Once in a while I travel, pamper myself to a nail and massage spa, and to a salon, and buy something for myself as a gift for a job well done. There is no other effective motivator than your own self.

Never let go of your passion. When you love what you do, it is much easier to move closer to success. Always chase after perfection and set high standards for yourself because you you know you can do anything when you put your heart into it. Be positive, and do not let anybody stop you from reaching your goals.

I didn’t really shop that much in Vietnam because I did not really intend to, but I was able to bring back home with me a few cool things.

Wool Cover – Up

Got this for 400K Dong (P880), though my mom got hers for 250K Dong (p550) only when we got back the next day! 😦 Haggling in Hanoi can be very tricky, I must say. Nonetheless, I love the color and quality. It’s thick, and it really looks nice with anything.

3 – in – 1 & Ground Coffee + Coffee Drip

Vietnam being the second coffee capital in the world, their coffee is my favorite! For 35K (P77) Dong Cafe Hue ground coffee and 5K (P11) Dong coffee drip, I feel like I’m still having a taste of Vietnam in my own home! So rich and delicious! I couldn’t remember how much the box of 3 – in 1 coffee was, but it tastes good! I only have one sachet left as of this writing. 😦

Longer Than Usual Mirror

80K Dong (176) for this mirror. I’m not really sure, but I haven’t seen a vertically long mirror in Manila like this. What we have is square – shaped, and half the size of this. I like the print, and it’s more convenient because reveals my whole face when I use it.

Woven Tissue Holder & Storage

I got this tissue holder for 250K Dong (P550). Aside from its design, I like it because it has a firm, thick and sturdy material. Others I’ve seen are lousy. My mom and I also bought a couple of pieces in pretty different colors & designs and sizes, which we also gave to our friends as Christmas presents.

Photo by my friend, Apple. I gave the smaller version as a gift.

Compact Plastic Utensils

I think this costs 70K Dong (P154), I’m quite unsure. This is perfect for me because I like bringing food to work, and I also like eating in the car. It’s light because it’s plastic, and very handy because it’s foldable. It already has a pair of spoon and fork, plus a pair of chopsticks.

I’m almost running out of coffee, so I hope I’d be able to find somebody who will go to Vietnam soon! 🙂 There’s really nothing much to shop for in Vietnam. The best things from my trip were really more of the experience, people, culture, nature and food. 🙂

I finished this book 2 months ago, and I can say I am able to pick – up a lot of things, but not completely adhere to everything it says. I only followed these methods below.

Empty your bag every night.

According to Konmari, the purpose of this is for you to be able to see every single thing in your bag and make sure that you have everything complete, and throw away all unnecessary stuff like receipts, candy wrappers, etc. when the day ends. This works for me but not everyday because there are times when I arrive home late, and leave really early the next day. In that case, I don’t have time to bring my things out, and in again the next morning. But I like the deed in general.

All coins must go directly inside your wallet or coin purse.

I totally agree with this because I tend to put the coins on top of my side table, inside my pocket, my bag’s pocket, and later on put it in its right place anyway. It’s just a waste of time, and it clutters the spaces.

I used to keep an expandable folder to file the different types of documents stated above, so that when the bill or statement arrives, I can match it with my receipts. Yes it’s a wise thing to do, but I rarely do it. Since almost everything is online or electronic nowadays, it saves me more time to just download apps to monitor my accounts and expenses depending on the frequency I prefer, so I don’t have to manage these in paper.

Let go of the things that do not spark joy. This is the Konmari Method.

The only magic question to ask is if a particular thing still brings joy to you, considering its sentimental value, cost, and everything about it. I have donation boxes where the stuff I decide not to keep all go, so in this way, I still put my things to a good cause. It doesn’t only pertain to material things per se, but all the influences in life such as people, work, and the like.

I keep my life simple, and only entertain the things that spark joy. I do more of what makes me happy.